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NEW YEAR BRING? WHAT WILL THE
MARLENE EISNER
EDITOR
New Home + Condo Guide
EMAIL: marlene.eisner@nexthome.ca
TWITTER: @MarleneEisner
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Wouldn’t it be great if we could look into a crystal ball and see the future? You might not want to know what will happen in all aspects of your life, but when it comes to finding a new home, getting a clearer picture of what’s ahead in the housing market can help you plan. And planning is always a good idea, regardless of the time of year.
While we can’t guarantee results, we can dish up some insights into what you might expect that can help you on your home-buying journey. For example, zoning has a huge impact on the type of homes that can be built in a specific city, town or municipality. Historically, the Metro Vancouver area has favoured the construction of single-family homes. Ron Rapp, CEO of the Hombuilders’ Association Vancouver (HAVAN), outlines on page 18 some of the legislative changes coming in 2024 that will allow multi-family homes to be built on lots previously zoned for single-family residences. He also explains how these changes will open purchasing opportunities for more buyers.
If you already have your eye on a property and are wondering if you will be able to afford it, our mortgage expert, Alisa Aragon-Lloyd, on page 12, offers up sound advice on how to take control of your finances in order to build wealth and buy — and keep — a home, even in the face of higher mortgage rates.
As always, we have other interesting articles to help you find your new home, including a neighbourhood profile of Maple Ridge, Silver Springs, as well as expert tips on how to decorate the interior once you find your dream home.
Thank you for picking up this copy of New Home + Condo Guide. Let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.
HOT PROPERTIES
FIND YOUR NEXT HOME
PREVIEWS & REGISTRATIONS
GABRIEL
Home type: Condominiums
Builder: Whitetail Homes
On the map: Surrey Web: gabrielcondos.ca
Info: Embodying elegance and sophistication, Gabriel is a testament to modern living, offering residents a harmonious blend of comfort, convenience and connectivity. The six-storey condo development features a range of homes including one bedroom, junior two-bedroom, two bedroom, twobedroom-plus-den and three-bedroom-plusden options. Thoughtfully designed interiors invite an abundance of natural light, with each home crafted to optimize space and functionality. Register today.
Info: Featuring one,- two- and threebedroom condos, with homes starting in the mid-$400,000. Nestled between three city parks and a five-minute walk to Guildford Town Centre and the Guildford Recreation Centre. Contemporary open living spaces with durable hardwood laminate flooring, low-E windows to maximize light, ventilation and energy efficiency, plus nine and 10-ft. ceilings. Register today.
HIGHSTREET VILLAGE
Home type: Townhomes and condominiums
Developer: AB Wall
On the map: West Abbotsford
Web: highstreetvillage.ca
Info: A combination of 137 spacious townhomes, nine multi-phased mid-rise one,-
two- and three-bedroom condominiums, and elevated amenities in a pedestrian-friendly setting. Expansive windows provide views of the lush surroundings and bring natural light indoors. Carefully crafted residences offer access to indoor-outdoor spaces that act as an extension of your home, such as a tastefully landscaped and lush common courtyard. Register today.
REVO
Home type: Condominiums
Developer: Millennial Developments
On the map: Kelowna
Web: revokelowna.com
Info: Revo Kelowna is made for today’s modern buyer, with interiors that transform to your needs, amenities for the lifestyle you want, and technological enhancements that make homeownership easy. Outdoor recreation includes a rooftop oasis with alfresco dining areas and grilling stations, ping pong tables, health and fitness areas, spainfused features such as cold plunges and saunas, and a custom art installation. There is also a community greenspace with garden lounge, planting space, a dog run and an outdoor theatre. Register today.
BUILDERS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE YOUR PREVIEW REGISTRATION, NEW RELEASE OR SITE OPENING IN THIS FEATURE, KINDLY EMAIL THE DETAILS TO EDITORIAL@NEXTHOME.CA
It’s a Metro Vancouver secret gem, a unique neighbourhood with a character and charm unlike any other. It was named Community of the Year at the 2023 Georgie Awards, where it received a total of five awards—more than any other that year.
People in the know aren’t surprised. Located adjacent to Centennial Beach and Boundary Bay Regional Park in South Delta, Southlands is a dynamic, multi-generational community that offers a breathtaking range of homes—flats, townhomes, non-strata rowhomes, courtyard cottages, and larger estate cottages.
But Southlands is so much more. It’s a place where people actually
know their neighbours, spontaneous games of street hockey are an everyday occurrence, and life-long friendships blossom.
WHERE AGRICULTURE AND COMMUNITY INTERSECT
The heart of the community is Market Square, a lively gathering space where you’ll find farmers’ markets with produce grown on the adjacent agricultural lands, beautiful gardens, and the Red Barn with its metallic cow sculpture, a popular space for large scale events and celebrations.
The highly anticipated Four Winds restaurant and craft brewery is sure to become a favourite place to raise
a pint with friends on the patio. Looking for ways to reduce your environmental footprint? Already attracting plenty of attention is The Hub Refillery where you can refill your containers from a curated selection of soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and detergents—good for you and the planet, too.
No wonder Southlands in Tsawwassen is often described as Metro Vancouver’s last small town.
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME
If this sounds like the kind of lifestyle you crave, here’s some news to get you excited. Coming in 2024 are five new neighbourhoods, each with
Community
distinct charm and style. And best of all, most will be move-in ready.
Here’s a sneak peek. The Granary will offer stacked townhomes and garden flats, ideal for singles and growing families. Or check out Centennial Green for traditional three-level townhomes. Then there’s the High Street Rowhomes, a collection of just 10 non-strata homes including one with a detached coach house. Plus, the Beachcomber Cottages, modelled on the awardwinning Courtyard Cottages, will offer two- and three-bedroom, bare land strata detached homes clustered around a private courtyard with firepit and outdoor lounge seating. Finally, there will be the Harrow Estate Cottages — large four-bedroom detached homes complete with double car garages.
“People love Southland’s smalltown vibe and how diverse this
neighbourhood is,” says Jaime Schlackl, manager of real estate marketing for Century Group. “You simply don’t find a community with this many housing types and every demographic imaginable, from singles and first-time buyers to downsizers to young families. All this, and you’ve still got easy access to downtown Vancouver, the airport, and the U.S. border.”
Why not see for yourself? The Southlands discovery centre is open 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday (closed Thursday/Friday) at 6388 Market Avenue in Tsawwassen, and make no mistake, it’s an adventure all on its own. When you visit, be sure to leave time for a latté and bakery treat at Prado Coffee. Visit discoversouthlands.ca or call 604.636.2220 for more information.
SALES CENTRE
6388 Market Avenue, Tsawwassen
CONTACT
604.636.2220
High Street Rowhomes kitchen
Four Winds’ restaurant patio
The Granary
Bustling Market Square
FINANCIAL SUCCESS
THE POWER OF REVIEWING YOUR BUDGET UNLOCK YOUR
With higher interest rates, inflation, rising prices and economic challenges, many Canadians are feeling financial stress. The fall 2023 Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation Residential Mortgage Industry Report found:
• As of August 2023, residential mortgage debt stood at 2.14 trillion (+3.4 per cent compared to August
2022). Year-over-year growth in the first eight months of the year slowed, as housing market activity decreased in comparison to the highly active market of 2022. Despite this slowdown in mortgage growth, home prices are on the rise again after a temporary drop in 2023.
• The decreasing ability of Canadians to make their debt payments is becoming a more significant vulnerability for the housing finance system. Reasons for this are: - a high debt-to-income ratio (171.9 per cent in 2023Q2) due to household mortgages
- interest rates have more than doubled since the start of last year; and - a significant share of mortgages with a variable rate (one out of three)
• Consumers moved away from terms of less than three years, indicating that hopes for an immediate decrease in interest rates have faded. However, the share of mortgages with terms of five years or more continued to be low as consumers chose not to lock in for a traditional term.
• Increasing delinquency rates among other credit products (auto loans,
ALISA ARAGON-LLOYD
credit cards and lines of credit) and in specific mortgage segments indicate that an increasing share of credit consumers are struggling with debt payments.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES
One of the best ways to understand where your money is going and where you can make changes is by creating a monthly budget. Budgeting is a core ingredient that helps alleviate the stress associated with money issues.
The key is to create a realistic budget based on your situation and goals. Track your spending and make your dollars go further by sticking to your budget once it’s in place. Budgeting offers a step-by-step formula to figure out the relationship between your income and spending. It also helps you review all your costs and make changes either to increase your monthly cash flow or just feel less stressed.
THE FOLLOWING STEPS CAN HELP YOU GET STARTED
1. DETERMINE YOUR INCOME
When creating a budget, you need to know exactly how much money you are bringing in each month and what gets deposited into your account. If you use your gross income before taxes and other deductions such as pension, you will end up overspending.
2. TRACK YOUR SPENDING
Once you know how much money you are bringing in each month, you will need to know what your expenses are. Reviewing all your monthly bills will tell you exactly where your money is going. It is important to put every expense you have in your budget, including fixed and variable expenses. Fixed expenses are items such as mortgage payments or rent, loans, strata fees, and childcare. Your variable expenses would be things such as groceries, gas, gifts, travel, clothing, entertainment and eating out. Variable expenses are typically
costs you can cut back on. You can start by averaging your costs and keeping track of all your expenses. For example, keep receipts for a month and enter them into your budget.
3. SET REALISTIC GOALS
Setting up realistic goals is key. It is critical to determine what you can live without and where you can cut costs. Ideally, when doing a monthly budget, you can consider the 50/30/20 rule:
• 50 per cent of what you spend is for needs such as your rent, mortgage, payments, insurance, utilities, car payments, groceries, gas.
• 30 per cent of your income goes to wants such as gifts, entertainment, vacations, eating out, etc.
• 20 per cent of your income goes to savings such as an emergency fund, retirement, and children’s education, or paying down credit cards and loans.
4. MAKE A PLAN
Once you have your goals, you can plan to improve your monthly cash flow and have realistic spending limits for each of your categories.
5. ADJUST YOUR SPENDING
When you know how much money you are bringing in each month and what you are spending it on, you can look at adjusting where you spend your money to ensure that you stay within your budget — taking a realistic look at your wants and the things you can do without. This is a
great time to also review your fixed expenses, such as your mortgage payments (for example, can you extend your amortization period or change your payment schedule?). Before considering this option, it is always best to talk to a mortgage expert to see what makes the most sense for you.
6. STAY ON TRACK
It is not enough to do a budget and then forget about it. In order to be in a better financial position and feel less stressed, tracking your budget on a monthly basis is important to catch any changes in your spending habits. It’s always a good idea to review your budget on a quarterly basis and take into account any increases in expenses or wages that may require changes in your original plan.
There is a free, online budget planner tool available from the federal government to help you at https:// itools-ioutils.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/BP-PB/ budget-planner
Alisa Aragon-Lloyd has been a mortgage expert for more than 13 years. She is proud to help her clients build wealth using many different strategies in real estate. She is licensed with DLC Origin Mortgages and is an award-winning member on the board of directors of the Homebuilder Association of Vancouver (HAVAN).
nexthome.ca/news/advice
– PORT
1. WEST 505 Nelson Street westbybeedie.com
2. SYDNEY
545 Sydney Ave. 778-948-0333 sydneybyledmac.com
3. VUE Foster Ave & Whiting Way vueliving.ca
4. SOPHORA AT THE PARK #101 - 1135 Pipeline Road 604-942-8416 polyhomes.com
Introducing The North, a limited release of 67 exclusive residence s defined by bold architecture, spacious interiors and the convenience of central Port Haney living. Life at The North means mountain views, river walks, retail amenities and transit access, all steps from home.
Priced for first-time buyers, the North combines thoughtful, pragmatic design with residences on the cusp of nature.
The North. Delivering Life in Balance to Maple Ridge.
MAPLE RIDGE SILVER VALLEY
A YOUNG FAMILY DYNAMIC
by MICHELLE HOPKINS
Mother Nature certainly blessed Silver Valley. This Maple Ridge neighbourhood is tucked into the Golden Ears Park and located on the north side of the Alouette River. It is at the gateway to some of Greater Vancouver’s hottest recreation areas for residents and visitors alike.
LIFESTYLE
Boasting stunning views, fantastic trail networks, creeks and rivers, and its jewel, Golden Ears Park, this is a haven for equestrians and outdoor enthusiasts. It is safe to say
it’s a healthy, outdoorsy lifestyle that attracts people to this enclave.
VIBE
With lots of young families living here, the vibe possesses an alluring fusion of city/country.
MEET THE NEIGHBOURS
Originally, this was a rural residential and large-lot suburban hamlet of about 600 residents. These days, it’s home to 90,990 residents (as of the 2021 census), up from 82,256 in 2016, an increase of 10.6 per cent.
Approximately 75 per cent of Silver Valley residents are professionals earning $80,000-plus (2011 census). This area is also very popular with equestrians, so it is very common to see people riding horses along the trails. This is mostly a young professional family demographic, with children under the age of 12, and the bulk of the population in the 35 to 54-year range.
IN THE AREA
Silver Valley is all about nature; there is no retail to be found here.
However, the neighbourhood is a mere nine minutes by car to the Haney Place Mall, where the trendiest retailers for clothing and apparel, home decor and appliances, health and beauty items and more can be found. In addition, it isn’t far to the city centre, where you can find everything you need.
PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES
Neighbourhood residents are mainly car dependent, however, in 2017, TransLink launched two new bus lines to the northern suburb of Silver Valley.
REAL ESTATE
There are 34,254 private dwellings in Silver Valley, comprised of townhomes, singlefamily homes and recently built strata lowrise and midrise condo residences. Prices for condos are affordable compared to other areas, with one, two- and three-bedroom homes selling in the $450,000 to $950,000 range, depending on the size. Larger single-family homes can get expensive, starting anywhere from $1.5 million and up.
HOT SPOTS
UBC MALCOLM KNAPP RESEARCH FOREST
The UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest is home to black bear, cougar and black-tailed deer populations. As many as 26 species of birds have also been identified and the marshland to the west is an important wintering and breeding habitat for waterfowl.
As one of the largest parks in the province, Golden Ears Park is prized for its plethora of recreational activities! Designed with both day-trippers and campers in mind, it offers swimming, windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing, boating, fishing and features three large campgrounds.
LOON LAKE
Loon Lake stretches more than 1.6 kilometres long. This picturesque and pristine lake is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, swimming or lounging about.
To tackle the on-going housing crisis, British Columbia has introduced groundbreaking legislative changes that reshape the province’s approach to zoning and housing policies. For homeowners and potential buyers,
understanding these amendments is crucial, as it can influence housing choices, affordability and community dynamics.
Key pieces of legislation, including Bill 44: Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2023; Bill 47: Standards for Transit-Oriented Development Areas 2023; and the 2022 amendment to the Transportation Act, stand at the forefront of this paradigm shift.
BILL 44: HOUSING STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT, 2023
Introduced in November 2023, Bill 44 aims to encourage infill and gentle densification in underutilized areas across the province, making significant changes to the previously exclusive single-family lot. Focused on urban areas with populations exceeding 5,000, the legislation allows new housing types on traditional single-family lots,
RON RAPP
including small-scale, multi-unit homes such as secondary suites, laneway houses, townhomes, triplexes and house-plexes.
Currently, 75 per cent of Metro Vancouver is zoned for single-family homes, which historically, has been out of financial reach for most. By diversifying housing options on these lots, the legislation opens avenues for more affordable choices, fostering communities to be built for future generations. Although owning a single-family home remains an option, lifting restrictions empowers current and future homeowners to unlock equity within their properties they have already built to create potential homes for other family members, augment income and facilitate aging in place.
BILL 47: STANDARDS FOR TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT AREAS 2023
Bill 47 focuses on promoting development around transit hubs to enhance urban density and sustainability. As cities expand, the need for transportation becomes critical, and proximity to housing near transportation hubs becomes paramount for livability.
A notable example is the proposed development around the Moody Centre SkyTrain station in Port Moody, announced on Nov. 27, 2023. Covering a two-acre governmentowned parcel, the project envisions hundreds of rental units, childcare spaces, healthcare services, educational opportunities and retail spaces. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader transitoriented development strategy, aiming to create communities where residents can easily access work, school and essential services in proximity to transit hubs. It also aligns with the government’s commitment to provide 10,000 housing units on provincially owned lands near transit hubs over the next decade as part of the Homes for People action plan.
AMENDMENT TO THE TRANSPORTATION ACT
In 2022, the Transportation Act was amended to enable the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to purchase land near transit stations for transit-oriented developments.
To navigate these changes, all local governments will be required to update their Official Community Plan (OCP) every five years, aligning it with their Housing Needs Report (HNR), providing a 20-year outlook. This supports eliminating the need for one-off public hearings that historically have slowed down housing projects that already fit within the community plan. It’s important to note that in Vancouver, where the system is different, they’re exploring how these changes might apply in its unique context.
WIDESPREAD CHANGES
These legislative actions represent sweeping changes toward addressing the pressing housing challenges faced across our region. They provide a standardized framework for diverse housing options, streamlined processes, and sustainable development around transit hubs for more affordable options across the entire housing continuum. While legislative details still need to be worked out, one can be certain that change is in our future. When embarking on the journey to find a new home, consulting with your local municipal development office to understand the Official Community Plan will bode well, offering insights into the evolving landscape of housing opportunities. Whether you’re a homeowner or a potential homebuyer, this allows you to navigate the changing terrain with informed decisions.
Representing the home building industry in Metro Vancouver since 1974, the Homebuilders’ Association Vancouver (HAVAN), a not-for-profit society is proudly affiliated with the provincial and national Canadian Home Builders’ Associations. Visit www.havan.ca Follow Ron @HAVANofficial or email ron@havan.ca
BURNABY – NEW WESTMINSTER
10. THE STANDARD Metrotown thestandardbyanthem.com
2. GRYPHON HOUSE 6191 West Boulevard 604.620.8295 gryphonhousevancouver.com
3. WEST WIND 2620 Acadia Road 604-260-8446
9. CURV
6. THESIS W 49 Ave & Cambie St liveatthesis.com
7. SHIFT 35th Ave & Quebec St. aragon.ca/shift
8. THE CONSERVATORY 6080 Gray Avenue 604-821-8291
12 PARK 1698 West Georgia Street anthemproperties.com
13. GRYPHON NOVA Oak & 67th 604-620-8295 gryphonnova.com
14. ITALIA 2323 Fir Street itlaiabysolterra.ca
15. MARCO POLO
Up the ante
by MARY BURGERS
Six dynamic trends to enhance your interior landscape
A NOD TO THE PAST, AUTHENTIC FAMILY HEIRLOOMS
UNIQUE AND ORGANIC-SHAPED OBJECTS
Unconventional shapes will take centre stage in 2024. Gone are the days of a perfect white porcelain dinner set or a perfectly symmetrical vase. Shapes are fluid, imperfect and natural for 2024. For example, this great organic-shaped mirror.
This year, there’s a growing rejection of cookie-cutter interior design. Personalization is key, with vintage, artisanal, and heirloom pieces favoured over mass-produced items. This trend encourages homeowners to infuse their spaces with character and individuality. Sourcing from your history makes it even better, whether it’s an heirloom from a family member, or started by you with a piece curated from a memorable trip that your children will fight over one day. Authentic pieces are not only on trend, they are meant to last.
A COLLECTOR’S MENTALITY TO ART
It has become evident that the recent hype around NFTs (non-fungible token) and digital art has not significantly affected the market for contemporary art. Whether it is a large or small piece, owning meaningful artwork can add a splash of colour and texture to any wall and allow you to engage with it as a collector. Taking the time to visit local art galleries and art crawls is an excellent way to explore the arts, bring perspective, and connect with the creative community. Collecting art is not just for the rich and famous; anyone can start with a willingness and some initiative, whether in the form of canvas or print. Even the smallest of pieces, when specially curated, can have a significant impact on any space.
Photo: Martin Tessler
Photo: Martin Tessler
Photo: Mary Burgers
Burgers’ residence. MIRROR Os & Oos
Fulton residence.
Fulton residence. VINTAGE ARMOIRE, France.
FOR BOOKLOVERS A HOME LIBRARY
Bookshelves are making a natural comeback in 2024, and when they are built-in, it provides a simple, beautiful and authentic design element to any room in your home. Bookshelves maximize the functionality of your home’s square footage and are often a solution to unused spaces such as under the stairs, wide hallways, or closets.
ICONS OF THE DESIGN WORLD
The best way to predict the future is by interpreting what’s happened before and worked. Classics like the Eames lounger, the Carl Hansen wishbone chair, the silhouette of a Noguchi lamp, the playful lights by Ingo Maurer or streamlined ones by Achille Castiglioni, have elevated spaces for decades, and the idea of buying once and buying well is always ahead of the curve. In Canada, there are great resources for sourcing classic icons through vintage shops as well as online sites.
STRIPES
Patterns tend to come and go quickly in interiors and fashion, but stripes have always been a reliable and classic choice. The iconic look has a timeless and luxurious quality that will never go out of style — think of French sailor’s stripes or the umbrellas on a beach in Positano. They can add a subtle touch to a table setting or make a bold statement as wallpaper. Stripes evoke a sense of nostalgia while remaining future-proof, making them a versatile pattern that will always look good, whether it’s today, five years from now, or 15 years into the future.
Mary Burgers is the communications & creative director for West-Vancouver-based Burgers Architecture, an award-winning multi-generational architecture firm specializing in passive house design. She has been a contributing editor and panel participant on talks on sustainable design. burgersarchitecture.com IG: @burgersarchitecture
Photo: Martin Tessler
Photo: Martin Tessler
Photo: Martin Tessler
EAMES LOUNGER, Fulton residence.
Burgers residence. Millwork by LAUTEN WOODWORKING
IS WINTER A GOOD TIME TO BUY A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED HOME?
nexthome.ca/winter-homebuying
AMENITIES AND HOW THEY SUIT YOUR LIFESTYLE
nexthome.ca/amenities-lifestyle THE PERFECT BALANCE OF FUNCTION AND HIGH STYLE
nexthome.ca/bold-beautiful-interiors HOW TO STAGE YOUR HOME FOR A QUICK SALE
nexthome.ca/home-staging-tips
SURREY – LANGLEY – ABBOTSFORD – MISSION
SURREY
1. PIANO 105A & City Parkway concordpiano.ca
2. PARK GEORGE 9908 King George Blvd 604-583-9866 parkgeorge.com
3. DISTRICT NW University Drive & 105 Avenue thind.ca
4. CENTURY CITY HOLLAND PARK 13583 98 Avenue centurycitysurrey.com
5. PURA 105 Ave & 132 St mypuracondo.com
6. AMAYA LIVING 106 Ave & 140 St amayaliving.ca
7. SEQUOIA 133 Street & 104 Avenue Sequoiawestvillage.ca
LANGLEY
8. ALDERGROVE TOWN CENTRE 3100 272 Street atcliving.com
9. HAYER TOWN CENTRE 76 Avenue & 200 Street 604-800-9662 hayerbuildersgroup.com
10. THE HIVE AT WILLOUGHBY 206222 80 Avenue 778-686-8572 thehivewtc.com
11. WESTBROOKE AT WILLOUGHBY 604-385-3540 foxridgehomesbc.com
12. SOUTH VILLAGE AT LATIMER VILLAGE 20018 83A Ave 604-371-0698 vestaproperties.com
ABBOTSFORD
13. THE RAIL DISTRICT 2774 Montrose Avenue 604-850-0040 raildistrict.ca
INSPIRATION | home decor
On display
by AMANDA SHIELDS
The art of styling your shelves
What does the shelving in your home say about you? Perhaps you’re organized, well-travelled or family oriented. Maybe your bookshelves express your love of reading, photography or board games. But beyond the display, the type of shelf can speak volumes as an
architectural feature that is as much a focal point as the items on show. With a variety of designs and materials to choose from, the aesthetic options are endless and there is something to appeal to every style preference. Of course, we can’t ignore the original intent of this household staple – storage. So, whether you’re contemplating
custom-built shelves or revamping an existing set, ensure you reserve a place for function and style.
Making a case for custom
When it comes to aesthetic preferences and storage, custom-built shelving offers the perfect blend of beauty and brawn, allowing you to
Photo: Stephani Buchman
tailor the shelving to your lifestyle, your needs and your space. Start by assessing what you need, which items will be displayed and what storage requirements must be met. Consider the depth and height of the shelves to accommodate various items, from books to decorative pieces. Custom
shelving is ideal if you have unique storage needs or style preferences, or if your home boasts unusual dimensions, allowing you to maximize every inch rather than trying to find a suitable pre-made option.
The art of display
Open shelves are a stunning, versatile choice, fitting seamlessly into various spaces such as the kitchen, living room or home office. I personally love open shelves, because they provide easy access and also encourage a curated, organized look. Admittedly, they do require a highly organized, simple approach. The key lies in
mastering the art of the display. The following are some of my favourite tips for creating a thoughtful arrangement.
1| Embrace organic materials and texture
To add warmth and character to your shelving, incorporate natural wood for a warm and inviting feel or opt for metal accents for an industrial touch. The interplay of textures, such as woven baskets or ceramic vases, adds depth and visual interest to your display. The tactile experience of different materials enhances the overall appeal of your shelves, creating a space that feels lived-in and personal.
Photo: Kiely Ramos
Photo: Larry Arnal
Photo: Larry Arnal
2| Tell your story
Shelving is more than just a storage solution; it’s an opportunity to tell the story of the people who live in the space. Use your shelves to display personal items, cherished mementos and unique artifacts. Whether it’s a collection of travel souvenirs or family heirlooms, integrating personal elements on your shelves creates a narrative that resonates with everyone who enters the room. This not only adds character, but also fosters a sense of connection between you and your living space.
3| Distribution and repetition
Create a cohesive and visually appealing shelf display by distributing and repeating colours strategically. Consider a colour scheme that complements the room’s overall palette. To maintain balance, imagine
an invisible line connecting the tops of each item on the shelf. Strive for a zig-zag pattern to add visual interest, preventing a monotonous look. By repeating decorative accents and elements, you create a harmonious and uniform appearance from top to bottom, ensuring a polished and stylish display.
Be your ‘shelf’
Transforming your shelving from a basic storage solution into a personalized and stylish focal point requires thoughtful planning and a creative eye. It all starts with a great shelf that complements your space, coupled with meaningful and interesting accessories that reflect your style and yourself. The outcome will be as unique as you are. Trust me, don’t “shelf” these ideas. Put them front and centre, and you can thank me later.
Photo: Kiely Ramos
Photo: Larry Arnal
Photo: Kiely Ramos
Photo: Larry Arnal
SOUTH SURREY – WHITE ROCK
1. ALTUS WHITE ROCK 1526 Finlay Street 778-294-7794 altuswhiterock.com
2. THE BOROUGHS 2070 Oak Meadows Drive 604-531-6767 theboroughs.ca
3. DOUGLAS GREEN 358 - 175A Street 778-862-8002
4. SOUTHAVEN 3300 King George Blvd. 778-551-1856 southvaven.ca
5. THE LANDMARK AT FOSTER MARTIN 1475 Foster St 604-531-7111 fostermartin.ca
BC 99 & Copper Dr 604-980-0016 britanniabeachliving.com
8. SEA AND SKY 604-559-7918 hellosquamish.com
9. REDBRIDGE 1606 Scott Crescent redbridgesquamish.com
10. FINCH DRIVE 1050 Finch Drive 778-990-1129
NEW
These listings are meant to offer a comprehensive overview of new home and condo developments currently being marketed throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
ABBOTSFORD
Court MR
604-621-5888 Now Selling
Downtown Gate TH 604-357-1943 Coming Soon
Falcon Ridge SF 604-309-0540 From $789,000
High Street Village LR/TH highstreetvillage.ca Coming Soon
JEM LR jemliving.ca Coming Soon
Laurel on Mill Lake LR laurelmilllake.com Coming Soon
McKenzie Mews TH mckenzie-mews.com Coming Soon
Montvue LR montvueliving.ca Coming Soon
Onyx at Mahogany LR 778-255-7099 Now Selling
The Peak at Mountainview TH mymountainview.ca Call
The Rail District TH raildistrict.ca Register Now
BURNABY
O2 Metrotown HR o2metrotown.com Now Selling
Arbour MR/TH 604-559-5795 Now Selling
Azure at Southgate HR azureatsouthgate.com Now Selling
